Giving Back to Frederick

Posted:

September 16, 2013

Giving Back to Frederick

While we all talk about giving back to our communities, Professor Drew Ferrier has gone to great lengths to do so. For years he has directed his research on the ecology of aquatic systems from the Chesapeake Bay to South Florida and the Caribbean. He regularly gives students and his classes opportunities to assist him, including a study last year to help Frederick city combat the persistent algae in Carroll Creek.

Now Professor Ferrier has taken giving back one step further. He was instrumental in launching Hood’s Center for Coastal and Watershed Studies in March, which focuses on understanding the origin and possible solutions to environmental and social issues that affect the coastlines and watersheds of our region. The center also trains local K-12 science teachers in the latest environmental initiatives to bring to their classrooms. Recently, the center was awarded a very prestigious $35,000 grant from the Dominion Higher Education Partnership that in part will allow 55 students to participate in expanded classroom instruction on geographic information system technology and two field and research opportunities designed to assist in efforts to improve the quality of water in Frederick.

Professor Ferrier is just one of many faculty, staff and students who strive to make Frederick a better place to live.